Finland's Immigration Crisis

The Tapanila gang-rape shocked the quiet Helsinki suburb, and all of Finland. Many wondered why these second-generation Somalis, citizens of Finland, would carry out such a savage attack.

The rapists were eventually brought to trial. One was sentenced to a year and four months imprisonment, two were given one-year prison sentences and two others were acquitted. Penalties were softened due to the age of the rapists.

"1,010 rapes were reported to the police in 2014, according to the Official Statistics of Finland. The number of suspected immigrants in these cases is about three times higher than of the suspected natives in relation to the population." – Finland Today.

The criminal law prohibiting blasphemy seem archaic in the eyes of many Finns, especially after the attack on the French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo. Unsuccessful attempts to decriminalize blasphemy took place between the 1910s until the 1990s. For many critics the concept of prohibited hate speech is problematic: there is no clear definition, a lapse that leads to confusion and acrimony.

Finland -- an open country that prides itself on respecting different ways of life, cultures and religions -- is being greatly tested by the wave of Middle Eastern asylum seekers.

Finland is a homogenous country that has roughly 5.5 million inhabitants, about 4% of which are foreign[1]. Twenty years ago, thousands of Somalis immigrated to Finland. In the last decade or so, more international students came to study, and more foreigners came to live and work.

Finnish universities and the academia are of a high level, and most Finns speak some English. But it is not easy for foreigners to find jobs. The barrier is the language: Finnish, like Hungarian, is a part of the Finno-Ugric languages, and difficult to learn.

How many asylum seekers from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan arrived in Finland in 2015? The figures keep changing. Authorities estimate between 30,000 and 50,000 -- significant numbers in terms of the ratio of migrants to the native population.

Multiculturalism, Migration Policy, and the Law

"Hate speech" (vihapuhe) is defined in Finland as "speech that attacks a person or group on the basis of attributes such as gender, ethnic origin, religion, race, disability, or sexual orientation." Hate speech is prohibited if such an act is a kind of ethnic agitation. For many critics -- including Jussi Kristian Halla-aho, a member of the European Parliament for the True Finns Party -- the concept of prohibited hate speech is problematic: there is no clear definition, a lapse that leads to confusion and acrimony.

The criminal law prohibiting blasphemy seem archaic in the eyes of many Finns, especially after the attack on the French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo. Many Finns believe that freedom of speech should be absolute. Unsuccessful attempts to decriminalize blasphemy took place between the 1910s until the 1990s. In one extreme case, Halla-aho was fined in 2008 for making links between Islam and paedophilia on his personal blog.

The current immigration situation in Finland is exceptional in nature. Muslims fleeing from the Middle East have opened up a humanitarian crisis the likes of which have not been seen in Europe in a long time. International public opinion and EU policy in the field are being tested. The current flow of Muslims through Sweden to northern Finland is chaotic.

The Ministry of the Interior website states that "Finland is an open and safe country" and explains the country's policy toward migration:

"The Strategy views migration as an opportunity: mobility creates international networks and brings with it new ways of doing things. Migration will help to answer Finland's dependency ratio problem, but at the same time, competition for workers between countries will increase. To succeed in this competition, Finland must be able to effectively attract skilled workers who will stay in the country for the longer term. As a responsible member of the international community, Finland is committed to providing international protection to those who need it."

The ministry also adds that "everyone can find a role to play," and "diversity is part of everyday life."

Government officials have taken this strategy personally. Prime Minister Juha Sipilä attracted the attention of the international media last autumn when he offered his second home in Kempele to refugees. He stressed the values of mercy and compassion in the context of immigration.

While the Finnish government can produce liberal policies calling for more openness towards immigration, real politics eventually come into play. When it came time to vote in Brussels on the EU's quota system for refugees and their relocation in EU countries, Finland abstained.

The ruling center-right political party, the Center Party (Keskusta), is both pragmatic and skeptical towards the European Union. The second most powerful political party, the True Finns (Perussuoamalaiset), is known for its anti-EU, anti-immigration and anti-Muslim rhetoric; its leader, Timo Soini, is the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The political cooperation between the Center Party and the True Finns exemplifies a powerful point on Finnish democracy: consensus is important.

Prior to last year's election, the True Finns website stated: "Finland is not to make everybody happy in the world. Finland should take care of the Finns first." The slogan explains much about the seemingly contradictory domestic and international immigration policies of the Finnish government.

The people of Finland have also commented on their government's stance on immigration by ousting of former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb in the 2015 election.[2] The President of the Republic, Sauli Väinämö Niinistö, said in February 2016 that international commitments are treated too seriously, and that Finland does not the control migration flows. Niinistö's comments were deemed politically incorrect and censored from public television for two days.

The Rape Problem

With all of Finland's talk of multiculturalism and immigration, new narratives about the corrosive effects of both multiculturalism and the wave of asylum seekers have surfaced in the media, shocking both the government and the public. News stories discuss the increase in unemployment, the mounting cost of social benefits during the decline of welfare state, problems in educating foreigners, and issues of assimilation with the majority culture, which respects Finnish values and a secular, liberal and open society -- all different from traditional Muslim values.

In Finland, more and more cases of Finnish girls and women being raped by asylum seekers are being widely publicized. Much of Finnish society seems shocked, embarrassed and angry because of the increase in rapes perpetrated by asylum seekers. These crimes have provoked many nationalists, and led to the establishment of a paramilitary movement known as the Soldiers of Odin. Members of the movement view themselves as Finnish patriots, roaming the streets of Finland, protecting against Muslim immigrant offenders.

The Soldiers of Odin are accused of being far-right and may de facto be related to previous skinhead movements from the 1990s. Their uniform is all black attire and their symbol makes reference to the ancient Viking god, Odin.

Members of the paramilitary movement known as the Soldiers of Odin view themselves as Finnish patriots, roaming the streets of Finland, protecting against Muslim immigrant offenders. Critics accuse them of being far-right, and they may de facto be related to previous skinhead movements from the 1990s.

The Tapanila Rape

On March 9, 2015, five males gang-raped a young Finnish woman near the Tapanila railway station. The rapists were of Somali heritage and between the ages of 15-18. According to reports, the Somalis boarded the same train as the woman and began harassing her. They followed her off the train and, under cover of darkness, brutally raped her in a nearby park. They were immediately caught.

The Tapanila rape shocked the quiet suburb, which lies on the outskirts of Helsinki, and all of Finland too. Many were left wondering why these second-generation Somali citizens of Finland would carry out such a savage attack.

When news of the attack first came to light, it was published by a conservative website, and many in Finland claimed it was a false report. However, authorities soon confirmed that the rape occurred, and uproar ensued.

According to an article published by Finland Today, the Somali community feared that its members would be unfairly labelled as criminals, and racist attacks would increase. However, the article also noted that

"1,010 rapes were reported to the police in 2014, according to the Official Statistics of Finland. The number of suspected immigrants in these cases is about three times higher than of the suspected natives in relation to the population. There is no unambiguous answer to why this is the case and is yet to be researched."

The rapists were eventually brought to trial. One was sentenced to a year and four months imprisonment, two were given one-year prison sentences and two others were acquitted. Penalties were softened due to the age of the rapists. Prosecutor Eija Velitski called the sentencing "embarrassing." The social impact of the attack spread far and wide.

The Kempele Rape

A second attack, the so-called Kempele rape, was met with a reaction by the prime minister himself. Kempele is a small town of roughly 15,000 inhabitants, located near Oulu. It is more famously known for its innovative entrepreneurs and high levels of overall satisfaction and happiness of its residents.

On the evening of November 23, 2015, a 14-year-old girl was walking home in Kempele, when a 17-year-old immigrant from Afghanistan attacked and raped her. She was later found by locals walking through the area.

A police dog led authorities to a nearby refugee center for underage asylum seekers. "The police dog patrol followed the tracks of the suspects, which led to an apartment. From the apartment, the police caught two men who are now suspected of aggravated statutory rape and aggravated child sexual abuse," the police said in a statement. Police could not immediately interrogate the suspects because a qualified interpreter was unavailable. The 17-year-old denied any involvement in the attack, and the second suspect was eventually freed.

The Kempele rape caused outrage in Finland. Seppo Kolehmainen, the National Police Commissioner, admitted after the attack that Finnish authorities had previously received reports of disturbances, physical altercations, thefts and inappropriate treatment of women from in and around the reception center.

The Soldiers of Odin

The Tapanila and Kempele rape cases became fertile ground for Finnish nationalists. According to their Finnish Facebook page (their website has been taken down), the Soldiers of Odin blame "Islamist intruders" for the "uncertainty, lack of safety and crime in Finland." The nationalist movement claims that the police have lost control and keeping order on the streets is now up to them. They say that preventing Muslim immigrants from committing crimes, especially rape, is one of their main priorities.

The Soldiers of Odin recently expanded their patrols to the city of Joensuu, in Eastern Finland. Paradoxically, the National Police Commissioner expressed his support for this type of self-organized behavior by the Finnish people. Some liberal Finns have accused the commissioner of racism and have demanded his dismissal.

Next for Finland?

Finland is a peaceful society, and many Finns are afraid of the consequences of the latest wave of immigration. However, due to political correctness and their own national character, most Finns abstain from openly expressing their concerns. But now the curtain of silence and political correctness has been fractured.

Finnish culture, law and policy encourage all people to live together despite cultural or ethnic difficulties. However, this can only go so far. Finns are now demanding action. The government must "do something" to show that Finland is still safe and to limit immigration.

Dawid Bunikowski, has a Doctor of Law (Nicolaus Copernicus University). He teaches at the University of Eastern Finland (Law School), is an Associate in Cardiff Centre for Law and Religion (UK).

[1] There is also a minority of the Swedish-speaking Finns (about 5% of the population), as well as a Russian minority (about 1.5%). For five centuries, Finland had been occupied by Sweden (by 1809). Later, it was a part of the Russian Empire (until 1917).

[2] The victory of two EU-skeptic parties over the EU-enthusiastic and pro-immigrant Kokoomus Party says much about the feelings of injustice felt by the Finnish public. But while Stubb's Kokoomus joined the governmental coalition with Soini and Sipilä, its position is weak. Today, the Finnish government is at a crossroads. Tensions are running high and beginning slowly to fracture the nationalists, led by Soini's party.

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14 Reader Comments

Daphne Anson • Mar 8, 2016 at 17:25

Women and girls are being sacrificed on the altar of multiculturalism and political correctness. Political elites across Europe are complicit. Enough is enough. Unless Europe is to become a hellhole for women the sexist criminals must receive tough penalties, the importation of misogynists from misogynistic countries must stop, and foreign criminals must be sent packing. Don't European men care for the future of their daughters?

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Les_P Daphne Anson • Aug 10, 2016 at 15:36

And that problem comes from liberal leaning people who were born far too early in humanity's history--today that is--not to realize we cannot all sit around and wring our hands about the xenophobic, or protective tendencies people have. As the immigrant problems manifest, it is obvious we need more General Pershing, less Ghandi to survive the Muslim hordes who have found a new way to invade the continent, and break through to the north, using the left leaning liberal tendencies of Finns, Swedes, and Norwegians as a wedge. There is no excuse for a guest in my home to rape my daughter, (or son) or to make demands I do not wish to assent to.

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El Cid • Mar 7, 2016 at 13:20

In the absence of a religious ideology to defend Finnish society from Islamic cultural invasion, the natural political consequences are unfolding. Of course the Muslims will not budge--they have their divine truth and they are sticking to it. Why should they change? No one confronts their beliefs and culture.

If basic security is no longer provided, it is inevitable that gangs of macho men will fill the security void. Finnish nationalism is the obvious rallying point.

The solution is for the government to embrace the nationalism and keep the extreme elements from the right at bay. Else, anarchy will eventually overwhelm the country. I am not hopeful.

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Gene Hutchins • Mar 6, 2016 at 18:52

This article is what FoxNews aspires to: Fair and Balanced. I found the point, about the Finnish language being difficult to learn, a telling one. That is a major block to assimilation.

The blasphemy fine on Halla-oha is troubling to me and many others. Talk with any US Veteran of Iraq & Afghanistan. The report that pedophilia is a routine, common folkway of Muslims. What is more, it's seems that heterosexual activity has only two purposes: procreation & subjugation of women.

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Reform School • Mar 6, 2016 at 17:05

End-game: Far-right Soldier of Odin? Or far-wrong Invader of Muhammad?

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Mickey Oberman • Mar 6, 2016 at 16:41

".....the values of mercy and compassion in the context of immigration."Are the cause of the imminent demise of most European countries.They are tantamount to Cleopatra's asp or Joan of Arc's bonfire.

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Hrothgar • Mar 6, 2016 at 15:02

Why are commentators always so surprised when the people react angrily to such obvious assaults on their citizens, culture and hospitality as this article describes? It would be more outrageous if they didn't care. What is wrong with Western governments? Why are they so eager to show care and compassion for foreigners who have no respect for the host country and the host people whilst demonstrating their complete indifference to the outages committed against their own people? This is the mystery, not the justified reaction of the injured, in this case, Finnish people, although this story could be told anywhere in Europe.

Islam is without doubt the most unsuitable breeding ground for immigrants to the West that could ever be imagined. Nothing about it's culture, laws, attitudes, religion has anything in common with Finland or any Western country; it didn't in the past and it doesn't now; why would it considering it hasn't advanced one iota in 1400 years?

Finland has a small population and will soon be overrun. It is madness to condemn people who don't want that to happen and demonise them for resisting such a catastrophe. These same men would be lauded as brave fighters if their country was being invaded in the traditional sense. But the result is the same; subjugation and destruction.

The public are quite entitled to protect their homes and people once the state stops doing it. A contract between the people and the state is agreed whereby the people agree to allow the state to keep the peace on their behalf. Once that is no longer being done and the state become indifferent to the people and their safety then the contract is null and void and the people have the right to protect their interests themselves. The law does not belong to the state or the police, it belongs to the people. The people give the state and it's agencies permission, in a democracy or a republic, to enforce the law on their behalf.

The time of procrastination surely is now past. The authorities in Europe must face up to the truth, admit their errors of judgement and act firmly to restore peace, punish offenders and deport foreign law breakers and ensure no more enter the land to disrupt the peace of the people who have made the country. Finland resisted the might of Soviet Russia bravely although she lost. Now she must resist this insidious new tyranny as must all of Europe and the West.

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sherri palmer • Mar 6, 2016 at 14:52

Rape "penalties were softened due to the age of the rapers"...that is a real problem! Did they have mercy on the people they raped? Every country which takes in these savages must be severe and more so than if they were their own citizens because they are your guests in your country! Stupid! Stupid! The next thing I will read is that they are given citizenship!

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Jeff Page • Mar 6, 2016 at 10:08

How many more European countries will start to say 'enough is enough' when they hear stories of attacks and rape of young women in their country by immigrants? Immigrants that were initially welcomed and paid for by the citizens are now turning on their hosts and carrying out heinous crimes, no doubt in the name of their religious beliefs and because of the way women are looked upon in their culture. The Soldiers of Odin are a credit to their nation and should be heralded as saviours in the face of these Islamic rapists. They should be applauded by the police and the government of Finland for standing up for the rights of women to walk the streets safely at any time of the day or night!

Just as in other European countries there's been the political and left wing apologists who can't see the true picture of what's going on in their country and in all probability have no idea of the systematic rape of women and young girls carried out by Muslim immigrants all across the EU countries that they have been given shelter in. They have little, or no regard for the laws of Europe, and the constant denials by governments and police when they commit crimes only acts as a free ticket to keep doing what they want, knowing that the authorities have been so weak in their response so far, that whatever they do they'll get away with!

The main problem faced by ordinary citizens across Europe is their own governments and some of it's own citizens. Every time a group gets together because they feel their government is not responding to an obvious concern they are immediately labelled as 'Far right, Islamophobic, xenophobic, racist' or some other unimaginative label. Basically, they get these labels because those that criticise them don't have a clue about what to do about a problem, and so prefer to ignore it and hope it will go away all on it's own. The governments across Europe have to face up to the fact that their experimental multicultural vision of utopia isn't and will never work. Reality check for all of them is needed, and very quickly!

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gunther Jeff Page • Mar 10, 2016 at 08:32

Out of all the countries in the EU it's little old Finland that has men who stand up to be counted, not the apathetic men of Sweden, Germany, and this to a country who once had one of the most feared fighting forces in Europe called Die Werhmact ! It is a different generation but hold on a minute what's happened to the spineless young German men who want to watch and see their country after going through WW1, WW2, and the GDR be handed over to Islamic invaders who rape their women !!

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Rob Manzoni • Mar 6, 2016 at 09:33

If the three Scandinavian countries, EU nations and Finland don't come to their senses VERY soon; and stop this Politically Correct soft-pedalling on the prosecution of the perpetrators of violent crimes, there will be a very violent backlash from the (so far) "peacefull" citizens - and not only from the right-wing, nutbag fascists, Skinheads and neo-Nazis.

Deliberate failure to report honestly on the identities of criminals - just because they're Muslims, who might feel "offended" - is a failure of the state and of the media to warn - and protect the public from these dangerous, intolerant thugs. Even the police are voicing their frustration at being prevented, by government decree (!), of speaking honestly about the nature of the crimes; and about who's committing them.

By now, every citizen - in every European - and regional country (and in the rest of the World) - has realised that most of these million+ refugees have NO respect for the laws of the land, or of its altruistic, unsuspecting citizens. The imposition of criminal status on criticism, as blasphemy, is exactly what is preventing an honest dialogue. Freedom of speech is vital to democracy. Preventing honest criticism of criminals - whatever their "religion" is a violation of your citizens' rights. Treating Muslims and their crimes more tolerantly that those of Christians, Jews or Atheists displays a double standard born of fear. When a government is cowed by the threat of violence from an ethnic minority, the citizens must replace it IMMEDIATELY with competent people who will do the right thing; and throw the minority out. There's no time to wait for the next elections... Kick the government out now.

Most of these immigrants will NEVER assimilate - their intolerant scripture, and religions indoctrination will not allow it, and though the countries' leaders won't recognise- or understand it, their openly-declared intention is to undermine the very people who have shown them mercy, compassion and tolerance, in return for which they display arrogant and aggressive intolerance toward democracy and the countries' customs. They are open about their diabolical intentions to enslave their weak, well-meaning "liberators" under Shariah.

If the powers that be are not prepared to send them all packing back to their regions of origin, there will be uprisings and civil wars, an overthrow of governments; and a forced emigration of those who have brought this problem to a peaceful region which has been misled by its ignorant leaders into this crisis.

Angela Merkel has done the EU a huge disservice with her throwing open the borders and welcoming the hoards, but the rest are equally guilty of dishonesty borne of "political correctness" and "wooly" do-gooder mentality. OK - they didn't understand the dangers at the time, or they were too timid to speak of caution, but that excuse is long-gone. They must act now, or face the consequences of their ignorance and reticence - a bloody, unnecessary civil uprising.

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Berzrkr50 • Mar 6, 2016 at 09:04

I'm going to be visiting Finland this August and am looking forward to talking to people to find out firsthand their opinions of the migration crisis. It seems to me that, at least in Finland, the veil of political correctness is being lifted and a discussion is taking place. We'll see...

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bolt • Mar 6, 2016 at 08:29

Question No. 1: Where are the parents?Question No. 2: Where are the men?Question No. 3: Who do the leaders in the Government of Finland think that they are fooling?

How does one define hate speech? I have asked this question of very successful and educated persons. They finally get around to realizing that hate speech is in the eyes of the beholder, which means that there is really no way to predict what will or will not be considered hate speech.

That is why speech--good speech, bad speech, no speech should simply be allowed. If you do not like it, ignore and do not give more attention than the speech deserves. Simply allow it, but pay attention to who the speakers are in case they take illegal steps to advance illegal acts.

Blasphemy--I am a bit surprised that such laws continue. I can understand why, however, when the "official" church and the government collaborated to pronounce "the church" of the nation. Now the snake raises its head in the form of a 6th Century theocracy that totally conflicts with the official Finnish Church.

What I just wrote could be considered hate speech or blasphemy, again, depending on the eyes of the beholder.

I do not care how nice and accepting and open to diversity that you think you are, these refugees are not nice, accepting and open to you.

It takes no great fount of knowledge to understand what has happened. Here you have Muslim refugees fleeing other Muslims. And most of the refugees are able bodied, young men? Give me a break. Somebody out there needs a reality check and if you do not come to your sense through ignorance or intent, then you need to go home and let someone else with modicum of common sense take over the leadership.

And I would start with an orientation program for parents and men on what their responsibilities are relating to young women. I have just about given up on the police, considering the police stood by and watched the attacks in Koln.

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Jermaine Burke • Mar 6, 2016 at 05:27

The problem is governments no longer care about their own people, they put the EU first plain and simple. Women getting raped en masse would alarm any conscionable person. If it was their own females they would take severe immediate action. The EU needs to end desperately and Euro countries need to take control of their own borders and deport Muslims back in where they come from regardless of whether their home country is safe or not, because the situation is only gonna get worse. The Koran as far as Muslims are concerned trumps God's law, "love your neighbour, constitutional law of any country and basic human laws of decency, they simply do not regard that because they have been dehumanized by reading in the Koran it's OK to rape "white crusaders," they have been studying that sort of thing from infancy, politicians who do not recognize or study religions simply don't understand this or they are being deliberately ignorant. But the cost of their ignorance is dire for women around Europe, Sweden, Germany to name just a few.